Comparison

DDNS Updater vs DNS Forge

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

DDNS Updater

Features
Read full description

DDNS Updater keeps your DNS records aligned with your real public address when your ISP gives you a dynamic IP. Point your domain at home servers, NAS, VPN, or remote desktop without memorizing changing numbers. What you can do • Automatic updates — Push your current IPv4 and/or IPv6 to the DNS records you choose. • 60+ DNS providers — Including Cloudflare, GoDaddy, Namecheap, DuckDNS, No‑IP, DigitalOcean, Route53, deSEC, OVH, Porkbun, and many more (full list in the app). • Dual stack — Configure IPv4 and IPv6 separately so both A and AAAA stay accurate. • Flexible IP sources — Detect public IP the way that fits your network (e.g. via URL or interface-style options where supported). • Multiple profiles — Manage several domains or hosts from one place; run updates when you need them. • Import & export — Back up and move configuration between devices or your own automation. • Notifications — Optional alerts when your address changes so you are not surprised by a stale record. • Looks the way you like — Light, dark, or system theme with Material Design 3. • Multilingual UI — Use the app in the language you prefer. Who it’s for Home users, small offices, and builders who self‑host behind dynamic IPs and want a straightforward mobile client instead of router-only or script-only setups. Privacy-minded Your provider credentials and configuration stay on your device; the app talks to your DNS provider and IP-detection endpoints only as needed to perform updates you configure. Note Background update behavior may depend on iOS battery and background policies; open the app or use supported scheduling as needed for your provider’s TTL and change frequency.

About

DNS Forge

Encrypt your DNS queries to protect your online privacy from your ISP, carrier, and network administrators. Choose from multiple trusted providers or add your own, and utilize a suite of network diagnostic tools. Customize rules for when encrypted DNS is active and sync settings across devices.

Highlights
  • Encrypts DNS queries via HTTPS/TLS
  • Select from 6 trusted DNS providers
  • Add custom DoH/DoT endpoints
  • 10 built-in network diagnostic tools
  • Smart network rules for DNS application
  • iCloud sync for custom profiles
  • Home screen widgets and Shortcuts integration
Read full description

DNS Forge encrypts every DNS query on your iPhone, stopping your ISP, carrier, and network admin from seeing what you look up. No VPN required. No monthly fees. One tap to activate. PRIVATE BY DEFAULT Every site you visit starts with a DNS query. Normally, those queries leave your device in plain text, fully visible to whoever runs your network. DNS Forge routes them over HTTPS or TLS so your browsing stays private. 6 TRUSTED PROVIDERS Six privacy-focused resolvers, pre-configured and ready: • Cloudflare: Fast, no-log DNS • Cloudflare Family: Blocks malware and adult content • AdGuard DNS: Blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level • AdGuard Family: Adds parental controls and Safe Search • Mullvad DNS: From the makers of Mullvad VPN, zero logs • Quad9: Blocks malicious domains, non-profit operated Or add your own — NextDNS, ControlD, or any DoH or DoT endpoint, including self-hosted resolvers. 10 DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS A full network toolkit, built in: • DNS Resolver Test: Confirm your resolver is active • Hijack Detector: 5-step canary check for MITM and hijacking • Benchmark: Real round-trip latency, ranked fastest to slowest • DNS Lookup: Query any domain, any record type • My IP: Public IP address and geolocation • Reverse DNS: Host lookup for any IP address • WHOIS / RDAP: Domain registration and ownership data • Domain Certificate: TLS certificate details for any site • Cert Inspector: Verify your resolver's own TLS certificate chain • HTTP Headers: Inspect response headers for any URL SMART NETWORK RULES Apply encrypted DNS exactly where you want it - always on, Wi-Fi only, cellular only, or specific SSIDs. Exclude trusted home or work networks. Rules take effect instantly. ICLOUD SYNC Custom DNS profiles sync automatically across all your devices. WIDGET + SHORTCUTS See your active resolver and whether DNS is currently applied on your home screen or lock screen. Build automations in the Shortcuts app to change resolvers by network, time, or any trigger. DNS Forge uses Apple's Network Extension framework to apply DNS settings at the OS level. Your queries go directly to your chosen resolver. DNS Forge never sees them. DNS Forge is an independent app and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cloudflare, AdGuard, Mullvad, Quad9, NextDNS, or ControlD.

Screenshots

DDNS Updater4 screens
DNS Forge4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: DNS Forge at $2.99 against DDNS Updater's $4.99. DDNS Updater's advantage is device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.6). On ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

DDNS Updater costs $4.99 and DNS Forge $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
DDNS Updater versus DNS Forge: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDDNS UpdaterDNS Forge
Price$4.99$2.99 — better
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequency—Every 6 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Paid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size31 MB3 MB
Age rating4++4
DeveloperHefei Yunyilian Intelligent Technology Co., LtdBen Spears

In-app purchases

None

DDNS Updater

No in-app purchases

None

DNS Forge

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is DDNS Updater free?
DDNS Updater costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is DNS Forge free?
DNS Forge costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do DDNS Updater or DNS Forge have ads?
Neither DDNS Updater nor DNS Forge shows ads.

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